The Best of Eastern European Folk Music

Looking for some new music to check out? Why not try something from Eastern Europe? In this blog post, we’ll be highlighting some of the best folk music from this region.

What is Eastern European folk music?

Eastern European folk music includes the folk music of nations in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Music historians credit the late 18th century composer Franz Liszt for popularizing Eastern European folk music with his compositions inspired by the region’s folk traditions.

Folk music of Eastern Europe is often characterized by its use of lengthy melodic lines, modal scales and symmetry, as well as its focus on narrowly defined musical genres such as the waltz, polka and mazurka. Other common features include works composed for solo voice or voices in unison, as well as instrumentals played on violin, accordion and upright bass.

While there is no one defining sound to Eastern European folk music, certain regions are more closely associated with specific styles. For example, Austria is known for its waltzes, Poland for its polkas, and Bulgaria for its ethereal choral singing.

The history of Eastern European folk music

Eastern European folk music has a long and rich history dating back centuries. Over time, it has been shaped by a number of different influences, from the music of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire to the sounds of Central and Eastern Europe. Today, it is characterized by a wide range of styles, from the upbeat and energetic to the slower and more reflective.

While there is no one definitive style of Eastern European folk music, there are some common elements that are often found in many of the region’s traditional songs. These include fast-paced melodies, minor keys, drones, and syncopated rhythms. Common instruments include the accordion, fiddle, flute, bagpipes, and mandolin.

If you’re interested in exploring the world of Eastern European folk music, there are a number of great resources available online. You can start by checking out some of the region’s most popular folk groups, such as Gogol Bordello, Kolomiyka, and Taraf de Haidouks. You can also listen to traditional folk songs from various countries on streaming services like Spotify and YouTube.

The different styles of Eastern European folk music

Eastern European folk music is by no means monolithic. Each region has its own distinct musical traditions, often shaped by the historical and cultural context in which they developed. In general, however, we can identify three major styles of Eastern European folk music: Courtly, Rural and Urban.

Courtly music was typically performed by professional musicians at the royal courts of Central and Eastern Europe. It was often quite ornate and influenced by the music of the Ottoman Empire and other Western European countries. Notable examples of this style include the lute music of Poland and Hungary, as well as the buskowski genre from Lithuania.

Rural folk music, on the other hand, was typically practised by peasants in the countryside. It tended to be more simplistic in form and often dealt with themes of daily life, love and nature. Well-known examples of this style include Ukrainian dumas, Belarusian lambadas and Slovakian fujara songs.

Finally, urban folk music developed in the cities of Central and Eastern Europe from a blend of rural and courtly traditions. This type of music was usually performed by itinerant musicians in taverns and marketplaces, and often had a lively or festive character. Popular urban folk songs include Romanian doina melodies, Moldovan chansonettes and Serbian tamburitza tunes.

The instruments used in Eastern European folk music

Traditional folk music in Eastern Europe is often played on acoustic instruments, such as the flute, bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, and zither. These instruments are often used in combination with each other to create a unique sound that is characteristic of the region. The music is usually based on pentatonic scales and has a strong rhythm that is often syncopated.

The lyrics and themes of Eastern European folk music

Eastern European folk music is known for its unique lyrics and themes. The lyrics often tell stories of love, loss, and other emotions. The themes of the songs often reflect the culture and traditions of the region.

The role of folk music in Eastern European culture

Folk music has always played an important role in Eastern European culture. It is the music of the people, and it reflects the unique history and traditions of each country. For centuries, folk music has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is still an important part of life in Eastern Europe today.

Folk music is used for many different occasions, including weddings, funerals, christenings, and holidays. It is also a way for people to express their emotions and tell their stories. In many cultures, folk music is seen as a source of strength and pride.

There are many different types of folk music in Eastern Europe, and each country has its own unique style. Some of the most popular genres include Polka (from Poland), Csardas (from Hungary), and Tango (from Russia).

Folk music plays an important role in keeping Eastern European culture alive. It is a reflection of the past, and it helps to connect people to their heritage.

The best Eastern European folk music albums

We’ve scoured the internet for the best Eastern European folk music albums, so sit back and enjoy some of the finest music from this region!

1. ‘BalkanBeats’ by Boban Markovic Orkestar
This energetic album will have you up and dancing in no time! The perfect way to experience Eastern European folk music, Boban Markovic Orkestar’s ‘BalkanBeats’ is an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

2. ‘Romani Soul’ by Kaloome
For a more soulful take on Eastern European folk music, look no further than Kaloome’s wonderful album ‘Romani Soul’. Drawing on both Roma and Bulgarian musical traditions, this is an album that is sure to touch your heart.

3. ‘The voices of Bulgaria’ by Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares
One of the most famous and influential folk music groups of all time, Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares are a must-listen for any fan of Eastern European folk music. Their self-titled album is a beautifully atmospheric collection of traditional Bulgarian songs, performed by some of the most talented vocalists in the world.

The best Eastern European folk music artists

Eastern European folk music includes the music of nations such as Russia, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. It is characterized by catchy melodies, rich harmonies and a wide range of influences, from the medieval to the modern.

There are many great Eastern European folk music artists, but some of the most popular include:

-Goran Bregovic: A Serbian musician who has been described as “one of the most versatile and original talents in recent years.” His music combines traditional Balkan folk with rock, jazz and electronic elements.

-Lech Janerka: A Polish singer-songwriter and keyboardist who is considered one of the most important Polish rock musicians of the 1980s. His style mixes elements of punk, new wave and folk music.

-Tinariwen: A Tuareg group from Mali whose music combines traditional Saharan desert folklore with electric guitars and Western rock influences.

The future of Eastern European folk music

Eastern European folk music has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. In recent years, however, the genre has been facing something of a decline, with fewer people turning to folk music as their go-to form of entertainment. This begs the question: what does the future hold for Eastern European folk music?

There are a few different schools of thought on this matter. Some believe that Eastern European folk music will continue to decline in popularity, eventually becoming nothing more than a niche form of entertainment. Others believe that the genre will be able to adapt and evolve, keeping pace with the changing times. And still others believe that Eastern European folk music will make a comeback, once again becoming a major force in the world of music.

So far, there is no clear consensus on what the future holds for Eastern European folk music. However, one thing is certain – the genre has a long and rich history that is worth celebrating. No matter what happens in the years to come, Eastern European folk music will always have a place in our hearts.

Why you should listen to Eastern European folk music

There are many reasons to listen to Eastern European folk music. For one, it is rich in history and culture. Eastern European folk music has been around for centuries, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. This type of music is also very diverse, with a wide range of styles and genres.

Eastern European folk music is also known for its unique sounding instruments. Many of these instruments are traditional, such as the accordion, bagpipes, and fiddle. These instruments add a lot of character to the music, and they can create a very lively and upbeat sound.

If you are looking for something new and different to listen to, then Eastern European folk music is definitely worth checking out. It is sure to provide you with a wealth of history, culture, and musical enjoyment.